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Speaker Cable Questions

Opinions please:

(a) For lengths of approximately 25 feet, is 10 gauge wire preferred over 12 gauge? I suppose 10 gauge is always preferable to 12, or is it?  

(b) Everyone on this forum knows how expensive "quality" cables are. While I haven't checked extensively, I have yet to see any of these quality cables available in 25 foot lengths. if they were I would have to mortgage the house  to buy into them. So the question here is what are the "best" (somewhat subjective I know) cables at 25 foot lengths? (cost no object answers as well as costs commensurate with an Musical Fidelity M6si amp welcome).
128x128gdhal
agitater
4 posts
 
Blue Jeans Cable. Top quality Belden wire, top quality connectors (including locking bananas which are great), very good strain relief, proper termination loading, excellent insulation, excellent shielding. Made in the U.S. by a very good company, and at reasonable prices. The online custom order system works extremely well for any sort of (long or short) custom length. 10GA, 12GA and some custom gauges available as well. 
  
rail2rail
5 posts
 
I agree with mr_hosehead. Any decent 12AWG cable set will make a dandy speaker cable, if you're happy with the look and feel, and the quality of termination that you can muster. You have to have the right crimper tool and soldering iron tip/temperature, and skill to do 12AWG justice. 
reynolds853
386 posts
 
I've also used Kimber 8VS in the length you require and was happy with the result. There is now a 12VS offered which I would consider, however. 
gdhal's avatar
gdhal OP
1,641 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for their input. Mr_hosehead, not sure what you mean by 12/2. I do get your point about standard 12 gauge, and I further assume you mean the same when referencing orange extension cord. As for fixing the ends up, and to rail2rail's point, why use any kind of termination at all? Bare wire could arguably be "better" because there is one less item (piece of material, etc.) in the circuit. I use bare wire at both the amp and speakers now.
mr_hosehead
210 posts
 
Sorry - 12/2 is just a reference to "12 gauge/2-conductor" extension cords, that classic HD orange cord.  There are also (and maybe more prevalent today) 12/3 cords that also have that separate ground wire and connection.  The 12/2 cord is usually just a little bit more affordable and all you need for speakers.  Also, you probably would do just fine with 14/2 at your 20-25' range and save a little more.  I've used soldered spade lugs and screw-type banana plus in the past and both worked well (the soldered lugs never came undone while a couple of banana screws will probably loosen over the years).
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